About Me

Karina

Wife to the most amazing man who loves me and loves God! Mommy to three beautiful girls and one handsome young man. I love to sew, quilt, cook, make cards and all things paper, take care of our home and be with my family. Thank you Sweet Jesus for showing me early in my children's lives how important it is for me to be the one raising them and training them. We are a God loving, Military, Homeschooling, cloth using, eat together kind of family.I am also a Close to my Heart Independent Consultant.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Recently, a publicity firm invited a group of editors of Christian publications to preview a Hollywood film. The film producers were looking to get the message of this film into churches and wanted feedback from people like me in Christian publishing.

The movie was dark, with a theme of unresolved guilt. Sadly, that guilt consumed the main character all his life, until he became a bitter old man. After we viewed the movie, the publicists turned on the lights and led a discussion. Basically, they wanted to know if we would recommend the movie to pastors. I stayed out of the conversation, because I'm a Pollyanna when it comes to movies. I like them happy and with a predictable ending. I know that's not very high-brow, but it's the truth.

However, the ensuing conversation intrigued me. Some people thought the movie was rich with important themes. They believed it would provoke thoughtful discussion. Others couldn't get past the language, and would never recommend it. One woman shared her opinion on the language with eloquence and passion.

She would never recommend it, she said, because of several instances of taking the Lord's name in vain. She defended her position by saying that too many people minimize sin. In fact, she explained, the film violated one of the Ten Commandments, to not misuse the Lord's name (Exodus 20:7).

The conversation continued with the challenge of relating to people without violating any of our beliefs. Our time together ended, and a few people got up to leave, including the woman who spoke against the movie. After she left however, another conversation began when a college-aged woman spoke up.

"My friends and I would never be bothered by the misuse of God's name," she said. "But we should." We sat in silence digesting her words.

That comment plays and replays in my mind. The honesty of that young woman touched me, as she identified a serious problem among those of us who call ourselves followers of Jesus: we tolerate sin. In fact, at times we even re-label it as "normal." I know there's a fine line between being in the culture but not of the culture. But that's not the root of this issue.

That young woman identified the real source: our hearts. We are going to be around sin until we get to heaven. Sin is woven in our human fiber. That's not the issue. The issue is what I think about it. Do I hate anything that sets itself up against God or His character? Do I hate sin?

I guess there's a part of me that shies away from the word "hate." I've taught my children not to use it, and I guard my own thoughts and tongue. Yet in doing so I've tamed my response to something that separates me from God. I've weakened my response and dulled my senses to that which God hates. He hates it because it takes me away from Him. And He loves me...and He loves you.

Call it old-school religion, but it's time for me to reexamine my response to that which God hates. It's time to settle in my heart whose side I'm on. It's time to decide if I will ignore or hate sin. Yep. It's time.

"...I have been thinking and praying about this current craze that has hit Facebook and ALOT of Christian woman/girls (and even some youth guys now) participating in the "I like it" purse comments... I am sorry but it sits wrong with me, as did the "bra color" campaign. I know a couple "Christian male perspectives" where given in January when the "bra" thing hit Facebook and they really were spoken with alot of sincerity about the need for awareness but that it does not glorify God when it is sexualized. I really would like to know if Steve has any insight or knows of anyone that does...would love to hear your thoughts as always.."

My personal thoughts? I think as Christian women we need to use discretion and we need to be wise. Having fun or raising awareness about breast cancer is not an issue--it is how we do it that we need to critically evaluate.

I, myself, saw the bra campaigns last year and was concerned. Do we not realize that we should be more careful about sharing private things? I was encouraged to see many godly men, young and old, speak out as well and share their thoughts on it. I have to say, I felt a bit embarrassed that they even had to address this topic to women and other sisters-in-Christ.

I feel no different about the purse issue either--understanding that it is the same group behind it I was sad to see this going around Facebook again. Even though the question seems innocent---the answers seem suggestive. So I personally would not participate in that knowing the potential damage it could cause. I wouldn't want other men 'accidentally' thinking about me in wrong ways--especially through a Facebook update.

But am I surprised? No---I believe our culture has been so far removed from the teachings of modesty and discretion that many times we tend not think twice about these things. We wouldn't want our brothers to stumble (Romans 14:13) by reading updates about our favorite bra colors or where we "like it" (supposedly a purse). It instantly can conjure up images in the mind that can lead to sin.

Am I judging anyone? No. I, myself, need help in the issues of temptation so I am grateful when an older person speaks out on relevant issues. I cannot walk this Christian walk without the body of Christ helping to sharpen me (Proverbs 27:17) and grateful for guidance along the way because that is just what I am--IMPERFECT!

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Beverly Bradley was in San Antonio this past weekend and I got to go to her speaking. She sang this song, and I was so upset that she would make me cry....LOL.... this was a very touching song.....Don't give up in doing good!

Yes I know, It took way to long to post this... BUT I have a reason, my daughter likes to take tons of pics and she fills up my camera ALL the time, so it is full of pics and no room for a pic of the stuff I make. So here it is. It has batting in it and very solid bag for Leia to carry her books or whatever in it......She picked out the embroidery designs......